Russia Warns US to Evacuate Kyiv Ahead of Systematic Strikes
On May 25-26, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov warned US Secretary of State Rubio to evacuate American diplomats and citizens from Kyiv, as Moscow prepares "systematic and consistent strikes" on Ukrainian military and decision-making centers. The warning follows a massive weekend drone and missile barrage on Kyiv that killed four people. Western embassies (France, Germany, UK, Poland, EU) rejected the ultimatum. Rubio offered US mediation but confirmed peace talks are stalled. The conflict, ongoing since February 2022, shows no sign of resolution.
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Western Embassies Reject Russia's Evacuation Ultimatum for Kyiv
On May 25, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at President Putin's request, warning of 'systematic strikes' on Kyiv and demanding evacuation of all foreign embassies and diplomats. Russia issued a public notice to all diplomatic missions to leave 'as soon as possible.' France, Germany, the UK, Poland, and the EU unanimously refused, calling it intimidation and desperation. The ultimatum followed a massive Russian drone and missile barrage on Kyiv over the weekend of May 24-25, killing four people and destroying a trade center. Russia claimed the escalation was retaliation for a Ukrainian strike on Starobilsk, which Ukraine said targeted a Russian drone unit headquarters. Rubio confirmed the call but gave no specific response, warning against the war spreading. This is the second such evacuation warning from Russia in May 2026.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsLavrov Warns Rubio to Evacuate US Nationals from Kyiv Ahead of Russian Strikes
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a phone call on Monday to urge American citizens to leave Kyiv, citing imminent Russian strikes in the next phase of the four-year war against Ukraine. According to a Russian readout of the conversation, Lavrov specifically drew Rubio's attention to the need for US nationals to evacuate the Ukrainian capital. The warning signals an escalation in Russian military operations targeting Kyiv, as the conflict enters a new stage. The call marks a rare direct high-level communication between the two nations amid ongoing hostilities.
Just In NewsRussia Threatens New Strikes on Kyiv, Urges Americans to Leave
Russia has sharply escalated threats against Kyiv, warning of 'systematic and consistent strikes' on the Ukrainian capital. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 25 to advise the evacuation of American diplomatic staff and citizens from Kyiv. The threats follow a massive Russian drone attack on the Kyiv region, including the use of a new hypersonic missile. Russia justifies its increased aggression by citing an attack on a school dormitory in Russian-occupied territory. The development marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with direct communication between top Russian and US diplomats regarding civilian safety.
OilPrice.com Daily News UpdateMarco Rubio says U.S. ready to mediate as Moscow steps up Kyiv threats
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on May 26, 2026, that Washington is ready to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine war, following a weekend of heavy Russian strikes on Ukraine, including the use of an Oreshnik hypersonic missile. Rubio's offer came after a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who warned U.S. diplomats to evacuate Kyiv. Russia has threatened systematic strikes on Ukrainian 'decision-making centres' and urged foreign citizens to leave the capital. An overnight Russian strike killed a man in Odesa. Rubio, speaking during an official visit to India, called the war 'terrible' and said it 'needs to come to an end.'
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Russia warns US to evacuate Kyiv ahead of systematic strikes on Ukrainian capital
Russia announced on Tuesday that it has formally warned U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to evacuate American diplomats and citizens from Kyiv, as Moscow prepares to launch 'systematic and consistent strikes' on the Ukrainian capital. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conveyed the warning in a call with Rubio, stating that strikes would target Ukrainian military facilities and 'decision-making centers,' including drone design and manufacturing sites. The Russian government urged foreign citizens and diplomatic personnel to leave Kyiv immediately. The warning comes amid a stalemate in U.S.-led peace talks, with Rubio confirming that negotiations have ended for now, though he expressed hope for future talks. Kyiv was hit by one of the largest missile attacks since the war began over the weekend. The conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues with no resolution in sight.
US Top News and AnalysisUS Vows to Continue Mediating in Ukraine War After Major Russian Attacks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed US commitment to mediating the Ukraine war following major Russian attacks that killed at least one person and injured 15 in eastern Ukraine. Rubio spoke after a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, calling the war 'terrible' and urging its end. Russia warned foreign diplomats and citizens to leave Kyiv, citing impending attacks on 'decision-making centers.' Ukraine dismissed the warnings as 'Russian blackmail.' Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree forgiving debts up to 10 million rubles (about $139,700) for new military recruits who sign contracts starting May 1, along with extending lease rights on state land for fighters. The EU and France rejected evacuation calls, with the EU ambassador stating 'We are not going anywhere.'
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